Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. I always say I never had any ambition to be an author, although I’ve been an avid reader all my life. When I was growing up, summers were a reading marathon for me and my sister and we both won awards from the Hobbs, New Mexico Public Library for checking out the most books during the summer months. I loved losing myself in stories, and still do.
As I said, I never had any ambition to be an author, but I wound up mid-life with a true story that had to be told. I thought someone else would tell it, but realized one day that if they did, I’d have to tell them the whole thing. It fell on me to write it. So, I took several creative writing classes and set about learning the craft. It took four books to chronicle the entire story and when I finished, I thought I’d be done. Wrong! I then published a book of poetry and art and started writing fiction short stories. It was a great way to explore writing in different genres to try and find my niche. The stories won awards and that encouraged me to embark on fiction novel writing. I published a series of romantic suspense novels which all won recognition. And now, I am writing a series of historical fiction and feel as if I may have finally found my true calling. We’ll see.
I am an avid fan of Texas music and love attending music festivals. I have a deep admiration and love for the music and the talented artists who create it. I am a grandmother of five, ranging from eighteen to nine. My oldest grandson just graduated from high school and is embarking on his college journey. I have three grand-dogs that I adore and live in the North Texas area.
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Title A BEGGAR’S BARGAIN
Author JAN SIKES
Genre HISTORICAL OR LITERARY FICTION
Publisher FRESH INK GROUP
Book Blurb
A shocking proposal that changes everything.
Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?
Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.
Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.
Excerpt
After a few minutes of traipsing through the underbrush, Sara Beth’s nose twitched. Smoke! She scanned the area for the source.
Her heart sped up at the thought of finding their elusive visitor.
A tiny wisp of smoke rose from a stand of trees a hundred feet to her left. She slowed her steps, taking care not to snap a twig or shuffle a leaf.
With the tiny campfire almost in sight, she ducked behind a large oak and peeked around.
Bent over the small fire, a young boy who couldn’t be a day over ten or twelve, of slight build with a mop of unruly black curls, stirred the coals.
She crouched and waited. Surely, the rest of the camping party would show.
A movement in the tree above the boy caught her eye, and she sucked in a surprised gasp. A crudely built treehouse perched among the branches. It would be easy to miss unless one was explicitly looking upward.
What to do?
The last thing she wanted was to frighten the young boy. She couldn’t imagine him living out here all alone.
After watching for a few minutes, she took a deep breath and made her move. Standing slowly, she called out. “Hello.”
The boy jumped to his feet and shimmied up the tree like a monkey.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” She stared up, only to see frightened, wide brown eyes peeking through the leaves.
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Author Biography
Jan Sikes is a multi-award-winning author, who writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author, although she’s been an avid reader all her life. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story to rival any fiction creation. She brought the entertaining true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.
And now, this author can’t put down the pen. She continues to write fiction in a variety of genres, and has published numerous award-winning short stories and novels.
Jan is an active blogger, a member of Story Empire, a devoted fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
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http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
Title SADDLED HEARTS
Author JAN SIKES
Genre ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Publisher THE WILD ROSE PRESS
Book Blurb
Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life, between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He’s been framed, but by whom and why?
He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that’s impossible. Or is it?
Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss.
The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.
Excerpt
Inside, Sage gaped at the wine fridge and large wooden rack filled with choices.
“Wow! How do you ever decide?”
He shot her a crooked grin. “I just close my eyes and grab one. I like surprises.”
Why did it feel like that statement carried a much deeper meaning? It told her more about this cowboy that continually shocked her.
He was a man of many contrasts who broke every stereotype.
As she turned back to the wine, Colt joined her.
Her heart thudded when he put an arm around her from behind. “Here. Like this. Close your eyes.”
She did as he instructed. His warm touch on her hand brought a gasp.
Never had she experienced anything as sensual and exciting. With his hand guiding, her fingertips brushed against the tops of the bottles.
The nearness of his chiseled body, his breath ruffling the top of her hair, and the scent of his earthy aftershave were almost more than she could take.
She fought for composure and whispered. “Are we there yet?”
“Almost.” His baritone voice reverberated against her neck. “There.” He stopped moving her hand. “You can open your eyes now.”
After a glance up at him, she pulled out the bottle. “Perfect. A Pinot Noir. One of my favorites.”
As if nothing had happened, Colt dropped his arm, flashed an irresistibly wicked grin, moved out of the pantry back to the counter, then picked up his knife.
Sage took a deep breath before closing the door.
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Title Jagged Feathers
Author Jan Sikes
Genre Romantic Suspense
Publisher The Wild Rose Press
Book Blurb
Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master's scars. If only the white rune's magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.
On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann's cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.
A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.
Will these two not only survive but find unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?
Excerpt
Cedar Springs, Texas, wasn’t a big town, but big enough to suit Vann. This time of the day, it was practically deserted—a plus.
Once he’d finished making the necessary purchases at the only grocery store open that time of morning, he turned onto Main street and slowed.
He passed Marge’s Flower Shop, where he peddled his nature art.
A movement behind him caught his eye in the rearview mirror. A woman sprinted down the sidewalk as if she were running from the devil himself.
Curious, Vann slowed even more. He reached under the seat for his pistol, the cold steel reassuring against his palm. He then pulled into a parking spot in front of the local drugstore. His military training kicked in.
Survey the area. The enemy could be anyone. His breath hitched.
The woman covered the blocks, growing closer. A dark-colored backpack flapped against her back, and her boots pounded the pavement.
Vann squinted and focused on her face. Sheer terror registered. It was a look he’d seen on more faces than he cared to remember. But he’d never seen that look on a more strikingly beautiful face. Her actions raised more questions than answers.
He eased the jeep door open. Champion yipped. “Stay,” Vann warned.
Every muscle taut, Vann stepped onto the sidewalk and stuck his gun in the back of his pants.
When he made eye contact, the mysterious woman let out a whimper, turned, and sprinted back in the direction she’d come.
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BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jagged-feathers-jan-sikes/1140380666?ean=9781509239436
Title GHOSTLY INTERFERENCE
Author JAN SIKES
Genre PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Publisher THE WILD ROSE PRESS
Book Blurb
Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn't a "he", it's a "she", a dark-haired beauty.
Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag's apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother's final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for "happily ever after" have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?
Excerpt
Inside, he slid onto a bar stool and surveyed the room. Leather clad bikers yelled to be heard over ZZ Top blasting from the jukebox. Bottles clinked as the bartender chunked them into an empty bin at the end of the bar. The air thick with cigarette smoke, Jag blinked to keep his eyes from watering. Two burly men at a pool table, slammed the balls with a resounding clap.
“What’ll it be, mister?” the bartender raised his voice to be heard over the noise.
“I’ll have a mineral water, please,” Jag yelled.
“This ain’t no damn country club, kid. Ain’t you a little out of your white-collar territory?”
“Sorry. Give me a draft beer.” Dammit! What had he been thinking to come in here?
After a sip of the bitter ale, he stood and walked toward the faded restroom sign. He had to finish what he came here for and get the hell out!
Just as he turned the corner toward the door, he collided with a stunning dark-haired woman who wore a scowl to match her hair color.
“Excuse you.” Sarcasm dripped from her tongue.
“Oh sorry,” Jag muttered. “I wasn’t looking.”
“Yeah, well that makes twice today I’ve nearly been run over by some bastard that wasn’t looking.” She stomped toward the bar, her black motorcycle boots thudding on the wood floor while the jukebox lapsed into a short-lived silence.
Stunned, Jag turned slowly back to the restroom. It was a girl. He’d almost run over a girl.
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BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-interference-jan-sikes/1137871003?ean=9781509233991
Title FLOWERS AND STONE
Author JAN SIKES
Genre BIOGRAPHICAL FICTION
Publisher RIJAN PUBLISHING
Book Blurb
Dive into an epic love story set deep in the heart of Texas.
In 1970, the lives of Darlina Flowers, a young go-go dancer, and Luke Stone, a wild rebel Texas musician, become intertwined in a passionate journey. The wild ride of their love story will make you laugh, cry, and root for their success. With this book, you will:
• Experience one of the most heart-wrenching love stories of all time
• Feel the rush of emotions as you are taken on a wild ride of love, music, and nightlife
• Uncover the power of love to make a difference in life
The book includes a riveting true story of two people from different worlds who come together in a powerful way. Get a glimpse into the wild honky-tonk bars of Texas, the struggles of a young go-go dancer, and the wild rebel Texas musicia.
Excerpt:
Just as her dance performance ended, she heard a commotion. Turning, she watched as Marketa escorted a group of customers to the best table in the club. It was entirely out of character for this spitfire of a woman to make a fuss over anyone. Yet, Marketa flitted around with her long, elegant ivory cigarette holder as if the pope had visited The Faded Rose.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, the bright spotlight now off her, Darlina hurried to talk to Sherry.
“Who is that?”
Sherry rolled her eyes. “That’s Luke Stone and the Rebel Rousers. I can’t believe you don’t know that.”
“How would I know? You forget I don’t get out much other than here.”
“They are only the hottest band in the whole State of Texas.”
“Do you know them?”
“Hell yes, I know ‘em. Had a one-night stand with the drummer a year or so ago.”
With overwhelming curiosity, Darlina proposed, “Let me wait their table.”
Sherry shrugged her shoulders, “Suits me.”
Darlina hurried to the table carrying menus. “Evening, folks. I’m Darlina, and I’ll take care of you tonight.”
Luke Stone, an assuming man over six feet tall with a swagger and crooked grin, promptly replied, “Honey, are you sure about that?”
A hot flush spread across her cheeks at his implication. “Let me re-phrase that. I’ll be taking your orders tonight. What can I get you to drink?”
“Well, seein’ as how you don’t serve whiskey here, guess I’ll be havin’ a cup of coffee,” Luke said, leaning back in his chair and lighting a King Edward cigar.
Darlina worked her way around the table, taking everyone’s drink orders. Luke’s stare bore a hole through her, making her more than a little uncomfortable.
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